As women get older, their hair strands become thinner, finer and lighter in colour. Many also experience lacklustre locks, reporting dryness and dullness.
While some changes to the hair are inevitable, there are still a few things women can do to restore their mane to its former glory.
GB News asked a nutritionist and a beauty expert how women over 40 can eat their way to “longer, thicker and shinier hair”.
Clinical nutritionist Rimas Geiga told GB News: “I’ve worked with many women over 40 who feel frustrated by the changes to their hair, whether it’s thinning, dullness or a lack of volume.
“The truth is, these changes are common as hormones fluctuate, but diet plays a transformative role in restoring strength and shine.”
The healthy fats found in salmon ‘hydrate the scalp and add a natural sheen to hair’
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According to the expert, the “key foods for hair health” are eggs, salmon, spinach and berries.
The nutritionist stated: “Simple changes, like adding these foods regularly, can make a noticeable difference.
“It’s about nourishing your hair from the inside out, and the results often feel as empowering as they look.”
The expert advised women to stock up on eggs, salmon, spinach and berries, explaining the positive effects they can have on the hair.
Eggs
Eggs are a “personal favourite” because they are easy to incorporate into meals, not to mention “incredibly effective” hair boosters.
The expert said: “Packed with biotin and protein, they boost keratin production, which strengthens hair and reduces breakages.
Salmon
Women might also want to consider incorporating omega-3-rich salmon into their diet for better hair.
The expert explained that the healthy fats found in salmon “hydrate the scalp and add a natural sheen to hair”.
Spinach
Incorporating leafy greens is also a great diet addition, especially for those who feel their hair may be thinning.
Iron deficiencies can contribute to hair loss so iron-packed spinach helps to combat this.
Berries
Rich in antioxidants, berries make for the ultimate hair booster, protecting the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.
Rimas said: “One client once told me her berry habit became her secret to shinier hair.”
GB News also spoke to Beauty Club London hairstylist and hair expert Shady Harb about how ladies in their 40s and beyond can eat their way to longer, thicker, shinier hair.
The expert said: “Healthy, vibrant hair starts from within. For women over 40, it’s especially important to focus on nutrient-rich foods to maintain hair strength and shine as hormonal changes can affect hair health.”
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‘One client once told me her berry habit became her secret to shinier hair’
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Like Rimas, Shady advised women to fill their fridges with eggs, salmon, leafy greens and berries.
Avocado
Looking for something to pair with your eggs? According to the expert, a side of avocado is a great bet due to its healthy fats and vitamin E – “essential for hydration and elasticity in both the scalp and hair”.
Greek yoghurt
Women could also combine their berries with Greek yoghurt for a bowl that supports the scalp and hands.
The expert commented: “Rich in protein and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), supports strong hair and prevents thinning. It also aids in improving scalp health.”
Almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds
In addition to this, almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds make an excellent snack as they are “loaded” with vitamin E, selenium and zinc.
The hair guru said: “These nutrients combat dryness and prevent hair loss, while the fatty acids enhance shine.”
Sweet potatoes
Shady continued: “Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This helps with scalp health and encourages the production of healthy sebum.”
Foods to start eating for better hair
- Eggs
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Berries
- Avocados
- Greek yoghurt
- Almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds
- Sweet potatoes
